Role of MRI in identification, characterization and assessing the sequelae of lumbar disc degenerative changes
Journal Title: Medpulse International Journal of Radiology - Year 2018, Vol 6, Issue 1
Abstract
Background: Low back pain is a common problem encountered by most people now a days. The most important cause of low back pain is the lumbar disc degenerative changes. MRI is the standard imaging modality for the identification of disc lesions. Aims and objectives: To identify, evaluate and characterize the changes associated with lumbar disc degenerative disease and to assess the sequelae of lumbar disc degeneration. Study design: Observational study. Materials and Methods: An observational study is conducted on 100 patients with in a time period of three months. All patients irrespective of age and sex with chief complaints of low back pain referred to the department of radiology are included in the study. Those patients who presented with low back pain but with history of trauma, infections, congenital lesions and tumor conditions of lumbar spine are excluded from the study. All patients included in the study are subjected to MRI scanning using 1.5 Tesla Siemens Magnetom Essenza unit. After ruling out contraindications for MRI, the scanning is done using the following sequences. T1W axial, T1W sagittal, T2W axial, T2W sagittal, STIR axial and Coronal. MRI findings such as disc bulge, Schmorl’s nodes, Disc herniation, Annular tears and spinal canal stenosis have been observed and characterized. Results: It is observed that lumbar disc degenerative changes are more common in males compared to females. The most common age group involved is between 41-50 years. Multiple levels of disc involvement is seen rather than single disc in most patients. These findings are comparable with other studies. The most commonly affected disc is L4-L5 intervertebral disc. Disc bulge, Disc herniation, Annular tears and Spinal canal stenosis is more common at L4-L5 and L5-S1 levels and least common at L1-L2 level. Conclusion: MRI plays a pivotal role in precise localization of intervertebral disc changes. Because of its multi-planar image acquisition capability, excellent soft tissue contrast and lack of radiation exposure it turned out to be a standard imaging modality for localizing and characterizing disc pathology.
Authors and Affiliations
T V Kishan, S Kisara, Mounika S, Anusha R, R Putta
Keywords
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- DOI 10.26611/1013611
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